If you are spending your days wrestling with weight gain, fatigue, and diminished sex drive, a hormone imbalance could be to blame. The professionals at Quench Wellness in Chicago, IL may be able to help with treatments such as BioTE hormone replacement.

Your hormones help ensure your body is functioning and communicating properly, allowing cells and organs to make appropriate changes. When hormones become imbalanced, side effects can plague your body with unwanted health issues and affect your day-to-day life. Is it time to look into BioTE therapy to reverse the negative signs of hormone imbalance?

What Is a Hormone?

Humans are conceived as a single cell. As the cell divides and new cells do the same, we are formed in individual ways. While our genes determine a lot of the traits we carry, hormones are chemicals equally important in making us unique. Hormones are a family of chemicals in the body.

Our bodies have tissues that secrete hormones into our blood and other bodily fluids. When the hormones reach cells, the cells interpret the chemicals as instructions. The hormone might instruct the cell to grow faster or to stop growing. They might instruct the cell to communicate hunger to the brain.

Another hormone can then tell the cell that your body is full and desires no more food. Other hormones can instruct your body to burn nutrients as fuel. Particular hormones, such as estrogen made by the female ovaries, instruct the female body to function differently than a male body.

Estrogen is just one of many hormones that have multiple roles. Estrogen affects a woman’s shape, milk production, bone strength, sexual characteristics, and more.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones with the same molecular structure as the hormones naturally created in the female body. While bioidentical hormones are not found in a woman’s body, they are synthesized from natural sources such as yams or soy. Common bioidentical estrogen hormones include 17 beta-estradiol, estrone, and estriol.

Estradiol is the type of estrogen commonly lost during menopause. Bioidentical hormone replacement is an effective treatment because the bioidentical hormones act identically to the hormones your body is losing. The human body does not distinguish bioidentical hormones from hormones produced by the ovaries.

What Is a Hormone Imbalance?

When there is too much or not enough of a hormone in your bloodstream, you suffer from a hormone imbalance. It takes only a small imbalance to result in noticeable symptoms. Symptoms of hormone imbalance often include a number of direct and indirect difficulties.

Lack of Sleep

Hormonal imbalance can affect your sleeping patterns. Progesterone, released from the ovaries, helps you sleep. Imbalances can make it more difficult to fall asleep or maintain uninterrupted sleep. A decrease in estrogen levels can also affect sleeping due to night sweats and hot flashes.

Acne

It is not uncommon for women to experience breakouts correlating to their monthly menstrual cycles. Others suffer from more consistent acne concerns that are sometimes the result of a hormone imbalance.

When women have imbalanced levels of androgens, oil production can become excessive. Commonly considered a male hormone, both men and women have androgens, so the imbalance in females can be especially frustrating.

Clogged skin pores can lead to acne, and while the androgen hormones continue to engage excess oil production, the acne can be an ongoing issue. High androgen levels in women can also be related to other medical issues, so consulting a doctor is always wise.

Memory Difficulties

Ever walk into a room and forget why you went in there? It happens to us all, but it can be especially common among those with hormonal imbalances. Declining estrogen levels can play a role in memory difficulties, hand-in-hand with other symptoms. For instance, if hormonal imbalances are causing you to sleep less than your body needs, memory difficulties, a natural consequence of sleep deprivation, will be exacerbated.

Upset Stomach

Hormone receptor cells are active in the gastrointestinal lining, including receptors for estrogen and progesterone. The gastrointestinal system is naturally affected by the female menstrual cycle, leading to the stereotypical menstrual symptoms of bloating, constipation, and sometimes nausea.

Such hormonal fluctuations can become more exaggerated and unpredictable when hormonal imbalances come into play.

Cravings and Weight Gain

Low estrogen levels can lead to food cravings in women. The temporary relief of the craving through foods high in fat, sugar, and processed ingredients can lead to weight gain and later feelings of depression.

Leptin is a hormone that combats hunger, and our leptin levels are affected when estrogen is lacking. Not feeling full combined with unhealthy cravings can lead to a cycle of short-term relief and long-term weight gain.

Headaches

Estrogen levels often correlate to headaches. While there are many triggers that bring on headaches, declining estrogen is often one cause. For some, headaches are a debilitating symptom that can hinder work and relationships.

Vaginal Dryness

Low estrogen levels commonly lead to vaginal dryness. The wall of the vagina can become thinner, and sex can become painful. Not only is this difficult on the self-esteem of many women, but it can also affect relationships with spouses who do not understand the cause for a perceived lack of intimacy.

Lost Sex Drive

Sometimes, sex is avoided by women who suffer hormonal imbalances because it is painful. Other times, imbalances cause a noticeable reduction in sex drive. This can be difficult on marriages and relationships.

Even though testosterone is associated with men, both men and women produce testosterone, and it bears a direct impact on the sex drive of both genders. Testosterone can affect sex drive as well as sexual satisfaction, however, unwanted effects of testosterone in women require the careful oversight of a trained medical professional.

Changes in Breast Appearance

Hormone imbalance can also affect breast tissue. Depending on the severity of the imbalance, breasts may appear lumpy or asymmetrical. Sometimes cysts can even develop. Breast appearance can be an important part of our self-perception and confidence level, and imbalanced hormones can jeopardize both.

Fatigue

When imbalanced hormones result in sleeping difficulties, fatigue can be a natural consequence of a body with too little rest. On the other hand, imbalances such as too much progesterone can cause your body to tire regardless of how much sleep you get. Good sleep is always important to the human body, and a hormonal imbalance that affects it in any way should be addressed.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a greater danger for women during and after menopause. Those who suffer from sleep apnea may stop breathing during sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a result of throat muscles relaxing as the body sleeps and preventing air from passing as you rest. Lower estrogen levels correlate to the rate of OSA cases. OSA presents particular dangers that should be addressed with the help of a medical professional.

Osteoporosis

Estrogen is an important ingredient in healthy bones. When women suffer from low estrogen levels, especially after menopause, bone loss and bone weakness can become a concern.

More than half of all women over 50 suffer injuries due to osteoporosis, but regaining estrogen balance can help patients retain bone health. Concerns over thinning bones should be discussed with a doctor.

Mood Swings

Hormone levels have a direct effect on our mood and irritability. As such, these symptoms are commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Estrogen levels affect dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. While these symptoms can be a natural effect of the menstrual cycle, they can be even more severe when ongoing imbalances are at play.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that helps relieve symptoms related to female menopause and other hormonal imbalances. From vaginal dryness to bone loss to sexual dysfunction, HRT helps combat symptoms related to the diminished levels of hormones, especially during menopause, through medications containing female hormones to replace those the female body no longer makes.

HRT is also known as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) or postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT, PMHT). It is most effective when tailored to a patient’s unique needs and re-evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

Some systematic replacement options include pills, creams, sprays, or patches that can relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or discomfort during intercourse. Other times, low-dose vaginal products in cream or ring forms can treat vaginal symptoms directly without addressing other symptoms such as hot flashes or osteoporosis.

The premier method of HRT is pellet therapy. Women who have not had their uterus removed will often be addressed differently than those who have. Because of the role hormones play in the growth of the uterus lining, medications will vary depending on whether the patient has undergone a hysterectomy.

How Does BioTE Work?

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is one particular form of hormone replacement therapy that identifies imbalanced hormones in the female body. When a lacking hormone is identified, replacement bioidentical hormones are added to achieved balanced hormone levels.

The best BHRT treatments allow for easy integration into the body where cells can receive instructions from the bioidentical hormones for optimal function and the patient’s overall well being.

The BioTE Difference

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be tailored more specifically to each patient through BioTE pellet therapy. Every patient has a particular hormone dosage requirement based on specific hormone loss. By identifying the hormones that are imbalanced and supplementing them with the proper replacement dosage, alternative health concerns can also be eliminated or identified for further consideration.

What Does Pellet Therapy Entail?

The most effective BHRT with BioTE therapy is accomplished with pellets. This therapy is delivered by placing a pellet under the skin for a fast and safe method of replacement hormone delivery. Unlike other delivery methods, pellet therapy ensures users receive a consistent dosage throughout the day, unlike creams or other methods that can easily result in inconsistent amounts being applied.

Pellet therapy is highly advanced for safety and efficiency while offering comfort and overall health benefits. The small, consistent doses of hormones released into the body provide optimum therapy.

Some patients using oral or cream therapies experience fluctuating hormone levels that result in varying energy levels and wide mood swings. BioTE pellet therapy, on the other hand, uses compound hormones compliant with strict federal guidelines to create a pellet smaller than one grain of rice. The pellet is easily implanted through an in-office visit, and the difficulties of other therapy methods are avoided.

Pellet therapy can compound estrogen as well as testosterone and can be used in the health of both men and women, although female therapy is more common.

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy for You?

If you suffer from symptoms you fear may be related to a hormone imbalance, there is no time like the present to seek a consultation from the professionals at Quench Wellness in Chicago, IL. Quench partners with BioTE medical for innovative pellet therapy that may be just what you need to get back on track. Give them a call today.

You understand the basic mechanics of weight loss: you need to consume less fuel than your body burns. You try to eat less. You try to move more. But there are days you can’t force yourself to exercise. There are days you can’t force yourself to put down the spoon. You need professional help. At Quench Wellness in Chicago, IL, we believe passionately in helping our clients live life to the fullest. Today, we reveal what you can expect from a weight loss program to help you determine if it is right for you.

10 Things to Expect From a Weight Loss Program

1. One-on-One Health Coaching

Weight loss isn’t about seeing the number on the scale go down. It is about building better life habits by switching one habit for a sustainable, healthy habit. Changing habits one at a time will take time. However, this type of change is sustainable. It lays the foundation for a completely new way of life.

At Quench Wellness in Chicago, IL, we work with you one-on-one to learn about your food triggers, current eating habits and more. With this information, along with what you enjoy eating, we will educate you on health and help you identify a diet you can stick to and enjoy.

2. Community Support

It takes a village to raise a child. Sometimes, it takes a community for one person to lose weight. At Quench Wellness in Chicago, IL, we offer you an entire support system. Whether you need help making the right decision about what’s for dinner or you need some encouragement to go on your first run, we are here for you.

We know weight loss isn’t easy, and we don’t believe you should go through the journey alone. Support is critical for success. We provide the network you need to achieve lifelong success.

3. Keto Flu Relief Infusions

For many people, a low-carb diet is the best way to lose weight. Some people find a “paleo” diet more sustainable. Others find a “keto” diet more sustainable. Regardless, people who reduce their carbohydrate intake significantly enough may develop what is known as “keto flu”. Keto flu refers to a “condition” characterized by suffering from flu-like systems. This occurs as your body switches from burning glycogen for fuel to stored fat.

Our proprietary keto flu blend can banish symptoms of keto flu, including dehydration, muscle cramps, low energy, mental fog and headache. While you’re not suffering through the transition period, you can stick to your new diet, exercise efficiently and enjoy your new life.

4. Personal Training and Boutique Classes

No matter where you are in your fitness journey, expert help can take your workout routine and fitness level to the next level. Dr. Chantale will sit down with you to learn about your workout preferences, aesthetic goals, limitations and experience with exercise. Whether you haven’t exercised since P.E. in high school or you were the president of your university’s triathlon club, we will design a customized workout plan you can stick to and enjoy.

We also offer boutique classes to get you active in fun, sustainable ways. For example, we offer Zumba in the South Loop. Classes are $10 each and begin at 10 AM every Sunday.

5. Slim and Trim Vitamin Infusions

Besides infusions for keto flu relief, we also offer the Slim & Trim infusion. Whether you are looking to tone your figure or burn that last stubborn bit of fat from your stomach, this infusion can help you achieve your aesthetic and wellness goals. Our proprietary blend of vitamins and nutrients boosts your metabolism and elevates energy levels thanks to the essential B vitamins. This blend also helps your fat cells release pesky excess adipose tissue.

The Slim & Trim infusion also supports adequate circulatory flow, blood sugar regulation and healthy lymphatic system function to detoxify your body. This infusion is the perfect complement to regular exercise, a healthy diet and the lipotropic B12 fat metabolism boost. This infusion can also ease symptoms related to female hormone imbalance and combat seasonal affective disorder. You may also benefit from adding a glycine boost to enhance your focus and further support healthy blood sugar levels.

6. Nutrient Fuelings

When you crave fried chicken or a greasy hamburger, your body is usually low on iron. Such cravings can be quelled by eating alternative high-iron foods, such as black beans or spinach. When you’re craving a salty snack, like pretzels or popcorn, there’s an excellent chance that your body is low on sodium. You may also be dehydrated. To quell such cravings, you only need to hydrate your body. When eaten in moderation, cheese is an excellent high-sodium alternative.

7. Lean B Fat Burning Shots

There are eight essential B vitamins. These vitamins are necessary for the adequate function of several systems, including your musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, pulmonary system and nervous system. If your body doesn’t have adequate levels of B vitamins, you may notice several symptoms, including weight gain, inability to focus, memory loss and lethargy.

Lipotropic B12 Fat Metabolism Boost

We proudly offer a lipotropic B12 fat metabolism boost. This is administered via intramuscular, or IM, injection. This fat-burning shot revs your metabolism for 72 hours. Other benefits include a propensity to burn fat for fuel, improved immune and liver function and increased energy. In other words, your body will choose to burn more fat for fuel than carbs. Moreover, thanks to the revved metabolism, your body will burn more calories over the following 72 hours than it would have without the booster.

However, because your energy is also boosted, you may find that you exercise just a little harder. Any additional exercise you perform in the three days after treatment will only compound the benefits of the booster. If you have stubborn pockets of fat attached to your hips, inner thighs, buttocks, neck or stomach, you may find regular injections with this booster can help you perfect your aesthetic.

8. Comprehensive Health Screening

Sometimes, weight gain is caused by imbalanced hormone levels or another medical condition. Before you begin your final weight loss journey with Quench Wellness in Chicago, IL, you will undergo a comprehensive health screening. This allows us to identify any undiagnosed underlying medical conditions. This will tell us if you need to follow a particular diet or your workout plan needs an extra special tweak.

If there’s a chance your weight gain was triggered by a medical condition, we may be able to treat the root cause of your weight gain. For example, if you gained weight due to hormone imbalance, we offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Your hormone levels may be imbalanced if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Unexplained abdominal weight gain
• Lethargy
• Disinterest in sex
• Cognitive impairment
• Memory loss
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Hot flashes
• Excessive nighttime urination
• Muscle loss
• Hair loss

 

9. Challenges

Are you a Type A individual struggling to lose weight? If you are, a medically supervised weight loss program may be just what the doctor ordered. On your weight loss journey, you will experience periods where you maintain weight for weeks at a time before your body decides to release the fat. This is known as the “woosh” effect and can drive people to quit before they see the weight come off.

We hate to see people give up, especially when they are so close to hard-earned success. We know that challenges often push people to do greater things than they thought they were capable of doing. That’s why we offer our clients fitness challenges, so they can see their improvements even if the scale doesn’t move one week. If you hate agility, strength, speed or endurance exercises, you may find a challenge is just what you need to shift your mindset and improve your quality of life.

10. Results

The results derived from participating in a medical weight loss program will vary from person to person. However, if you follow your program honestly, you can expect to lose between three and five pounds in your first week. A lot of this will be water weight. But you can easily expect to lose one to two pounds of bona fide fat after your first week.

Health Benefits

If your general physician recommended weight loss for you, he probably didn’t care about the number on the scale. Doctors often use your BMI (body mass index) to identify your degree of risk of developing dangerous medical conditions. These medical conditions include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke and joint pain.

After a month of sticking to a medical weight loss plan, you will find that your friends and family notice improvements in your body image. After two to three months, you will start to see these changes yourself. These changes mean you are losing fat, building muscle or both. This is excellent for your health. Over time, you can also reverse type 2 diabetes, alleviate hip and knee pain, lower your blood pressure and bring your bad cholesterol down to a healthy level.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss

Can I Cut and Bulk at the Same Time?

One of the most common weight-loss misconceptions we hear is that you can’t burn fat and build muscle simultaneously. People who believe this are correct in their understanding that you have to eat at a caloric deficit to lose weight.

What they weren’t adequately taught in school is that only two things need to be true to build muscle. First, you must push the targeted muscle past its breaking point so it can rebuild stronger. Second, your muscles need protein. With the right nutritional plan, it is absolutely possible to eat at a caloric deficit for fat loss while consuming enough protein to grow muscles.

Can I Lose 30 Pounds in Just 30 Days?

It seems that every summer there is a new magazine promoting a new diet promising you can lose 10 pounds in 10 days. This just isn’t realistic. There are 3500 calories in a pound of fat. Your body can only use 35.1 calories per pound of fat daily for fuel. If you have 30 pounds of excess body fat, your total fat mass is probably around 50 pounds.

You have more than enough stored fat for your body to consume for fuel to pull off a 30-pound fat loss in 30 days. However, you probably only burn between 1,200 and 2,000 calories per day. To achieve a pound of weight loss daily, even if you didn’t eat, you would need to exercise long enough to burn between 1,500 and 2,300 extra calories on top of your daily life activities. Even if you had time for this, your body couldn’t sustain it for 30 consecutive days.

Learn More About Medical Weight Loss Today

Do you need professional help to achieve your ideal weight? Are you ready to live your happiest, healthiest life? If you are, we can help. To book an appointment, contact us today at Quench Wellness in Chicago, IL. If you’re interested in our weight loss program, we invite you to complete our free wellness check-in assessment.